Australia: McCain Foods’ tech innovation in Australia reduces water use by more than 100,000 litres per day

The PEF generator is another example of McCain’s commitment to producing more with less, as the $1.8 million project, which incorporates McCain’s proprietary technology, results in potatoes being pulsed with an electric field rather than steamed, slashing the plant’s energy and water usage.

The plant has reduced water usage this year by more than 100,000 litres per day, and the PEF system will also save the plant approximately 276 tonnes of carbon each year, and around 33,000 gigajoules of energy due to the increased efficiency and reduced wastage.

Traditionally, McCain used steam – generated primarily by burning wood – in the pre-treatment process, which is no longer required. In addition, the electric field that is pulsed through uncut potatoes results in less oil being absorbed when the potatoes are cooked.

It is also physically smaller than the old pre-heaters, saving space within the plant – creating a brighter, more spacious work environment.

Smithton operates 24 hours, seven days a week to process potatoes into a range of frozen chip products for Australian consumers.

McCain Foods Smithton Plant Manager, Gordon Gillies, said adopting this new technology was fundamental to the company’s growth strategy, and is an important step in reducing McCain’s environmental footprint and continuing to improve its sustainable practices.

“We’re really excited to implement this cutting-edge technology at Smithton, due to the working capabilities and environmental benefits it incorporates.”

“This was an opportunity to set new benchmarks in our industry as we continue to focus on becoming even more environmentally responsible. This contributes to McCain’s global commitment to reducing CO2 emissions from our plants by 50 per cent by 2030,” Gillies said.

The propriety technology was deployed at McCain Foods’ Timaru plant in New Zealand late last year as a region-first, and now Smithton after significant success in New Zealand. Smithton halted production on January 26 this year to install the PEF generator, before resuming on February 25 and returning to full production.

Source: McCain Foods AustraliaPhoto: McCain Foods’ Smithton plantFurther information:Marnie McGuiganmmcguigan@porternovelli.com.au0448 917 645